Chitungwiza Artists Shine at Nama23, Dominating the National Arts Scene
Artists from Chitungwiza stole the spotlight at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama23), clinching seven out of 39 awards at the prestigious event held at the Hippodrome Conference Centre on Saturday.
The achievements of these creatives underscored Chitungwiza’s growing influence in Zimbabwe’s entertainment and arts industry.
Chitungwiza Artists Who Won Big
Among the standout winners were:
- Outstanding Album: NOP Makoni – Nkosilathi Sibiya (Voltz JT)
- Outstanding Male Musician: Hillary Marufu (Master H)
- Outstanding Music Video: Nhemamusasa – Bagga, directed by Leopold Tapiwa Vengesa (Leoy V)
- Outstanding Social Media Skits: Panashe Gurende (Moojaya)
- Outstanding Exhibition: Admire Kamudzengerere
- Outstanding Female Dancer: Celine Madziva (Respect My Team)
- Outstanding Actress: Caroline Mashingaidze Zimbizi (Tete Sabina in Family Riots)
These wins accounted for nearly a fifth of all awards, a remarkable feat considering the national scope of the competition. The remaining awards were spread across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces.
Electrifying Performances and a Night of Celebration
The event, themed #Afrofuturism, was a spectacle of high-energy performances. The Zimbabwe National Anthem was performed by a combined choir from Hartman House, Lusitania, and Harare Heritage schools, setting the tone for the evening.
Fusion 5 Mangwiro captivated the audience with hits such as Mumoyo Mangu, Marunje, Mangowe, Zuva, Katarina, Ndizvo Here, and Munhu Wemusango.
After the award ceremony, Jah Prayzah and the 3rd Generation band wrapped up the night with a thrilling performance. Other artists who took to the stage included Hwinza, Nisha Ts, Oriyano, Shashl, Atenda Chinx, Bagga, Sylent Nqo, Probeatz, Misheck Mahendere, Joyfull Praise Choir, The Choice Children’s Choir, Denilson the saxophonist, and a group of costumed dancers.
Chillmaster Earns an International Opportunity
One of the most exciting announcements of the night was the award for Outstanding Breakthrough Musician, which went to Gift Kudakwashe Hombarume (Chillmaster). His win secured him an overseas trip, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his talent on an international stage.
Government and Industry Leaders Applaud the Arts
Sports, Arts, and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry emphasized the importance of the creative and cultural industries, describing art as a memory bank that preserves both joy and sorrow.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe board chairperson Nosipho Maraire reiterated the council’s commitment to a research-driven approach in decision-making. She highlighted the success of the Zimbabwe National Film Strategy (2025-2030), which has already started yielding positive results.
Nama’s Growing Influence
Nama, which has been managed by the Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation for the past six years, continues to evolve into a major cultural tourism event. Held throughout February, the celebrations include rehearsals, pre-event hype, and the actual awards ceremony.
CZEC CEO Steve Zhao acknowledged the challenges in managing the globally recognized event and expressed hope for more sponsors to come on board in the future.
Mixed Reactions to Some Awards
While most awards were met with enthusiastic applause, a few sparked debate.
Some of the most widely celebrated awards included:
- Outstanding Poet: Kudakwashe Rice
- Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian: Mukudzei Majoni (King Kandoro)
- Outstanding Screen Production (Television): The DNA Show – Tinashe Mugabe
- The People’s Choice Award: Winky D
The thunderous cheers for these winners highlighted their popularity and influence. Meanwhile, other awards were met with moderate applause, reflecting surprises and upsets among attendees.
Nama23 cemented Chitungwiza’s dominance in Zimbabwe’s creative scene, with its artists taking home multiple prestigious awards. As the nation’s premier arts and culture event, Nama continues to uplift Zimbabwean talent, celebrating creativity, originality, and artistic excellence on a national and global scale.
